Independence Local Schools continues to shine in the 2025 Ohio School Report Cards, once again reflecting the district’s commitment to educational excellence. Released by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), the report highlights strong performance across multiple areas, with Independence earning top marks in several key categories. While these results are an important measure of success, they represent only part of the district’s well-rounded approach to education.
“We are incredibly proud that Independence Local Schools has earned the highest rating of 5-stars on the state report card this year,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “This recognition reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families and community. While these results are a strong measure of success, they represent just one part of who we are as a district. Our focus remains on cultivating a legacy of excellence by ensuring every student is known, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.”
Overall Rating (5 Stars): The Overall rating is calculated using a weighted formula based on all other rated components.
Achievement (5 Stars): The Achievement Component measures students' academic achievement using each level of performance on Ohio's State Tests and End-of-Course Exams.
Progress (4 Stars): The Progress Component measures students' academic performance compared to expected growth on Ohio's State Tests and End-of-Course Exams. The district is reviewing its PreK-12 curriculum this school year and will align it to address these gaps.
Gap Closing (5 Stars): The Gap Closing component shows how well schools are meeting the performance expectations for our students in English language arts, math, and graduation. It also measures how schools are doing in supporting English learners to increase language proficiency, reducing chronic absenteeism for all students, and identifying gifted students and providing gifted services.
Graduation (5 Stars): The Graduation Component is a measure of the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate and the five-year adjusted cohort graduation rate.
Early Literacy (5 Stars): The Early Literacy Component is a measure of reading improvement and proficiency for students in kindergarten through third grade based on diagnostic assessments and the Ohio State Test for English Language Arts in grade 3.
College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness (CCWMR) (4 Stars) - The CCWMR component evaluates how well the graduating class—specifically the four‑year adjusted graduation cohort—is prepared for life after high school. It calculates the percentage of students who demonstrate readiness through one or more recognized pathways toward college, careers, workforce entry, or military service.
The district's success extends beyond these metrics, as evidenced by the upcoming Quality Profile. This in-depth report, to be featured in the fall issue of the Independence Quarterly (IQ) newsletter, will provide a comprehensive overview of the district's achievements, innovative programs, and student successes. Residents can expect to receive this detailed snapshot of Independence Local Schools' daily operations and accomplishments in their mailboxes this October. Superintendent Cogan encourages the community to review both the state report card and the Quality Profile for a full picture of the district's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready students and cultivating a legacy of excellence.
